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Can you really shoot a compelling video on a cell phone?


Is it really possible to shoot and edit a great video on a mobile device? This post was written to support the PBL English classes at the high school. We believe everyone can benefit from this in and out of the classroom.

1. What do you watch now?
We used two simple guiding questions to start the class thinking about the videos they watch on a regular basis.
  1. What videos do you watch now?
  2. What keeps you coming back for more?

2. Apple of my eye - shot on an iPhone 4
We watched this short video shot entirely on an iPhone.
The class broke into small focus groups to watch for the following:
  • angles the video was shot in
  • movement of the camera
  • sound/audio
  • lighting
  • cuts in the video
  • audience - who is the intended audience
The above elements helped our discussion about what makes a great video.

3. THINK
This acronym was designed to help those shooting video on mobile devices focus on what is most important.
  • shooT with a storyboard.
  • Hold that camera steady.
  • Interesting surroundings.
  • Not too soft, not too loud.
  • Know your audience and subject. 
4. Warm Up The Subject
Think of a few questions to get your interviewee to relax before you start asking the questions you really want answered.

Example
You are interviewing a teacher and really want them to talk about their day to day life in the classroom. You could start by asking them about why they became a teacher, who were their inspirational teachers, etc.

Once they get talking then ask them the question you really want answered, what is their day to day life like as a teacher.

5. Editing
Pay special attention to your storyboard. The better raw video you shoot the faster your editing will go.

Download FilmoraGo on your iOS or Android device.

Click the plus symbol to begin.

Select one clip.

1. Use the sliders to trim the clip.
2. Add the clip to your clip bin.

Click on any clip to start editing.

Drag either end to trim the clip.

Adding transitions are as easy as a click and drag.

Click Save when the video is ready to go.

1. Load it to YouTube.
2. You can also save it to your camera roll.



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